Thirteen-year-old California driver John “JohnJohn” McLellan will progress to the international OK-Junior category with Ward Racing for the next phase of his European karting program.

McLellan previously competed in OK-N Junior with Ward Racing during Round 1 of the 2026 ACI Karting Italian Championship and Rounds 2 and 3 of the WSK Euro Series. His OK-N Junior program culminated with a fourth-place finish in a 64-driver international field at the WSK Euro Series finale in Cremona.

RECENT OK-N JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

WSK Euro Series Round 3 — Cremona

• Fifth in qualifying group
• Two third-place heat-race finishes
• Fourth in the pre-final
• Fourth in the final in a 64-driver international field

Both OK-N Junior and OK-Junior use direct-drive, 125cc water-cooled engines. The “N” in OK-N Junior refers to National, identifying it as the national-level version of the category. By comparison, OK-Junior is the faster international category, attracting leading factory teams and junior drivers from around the world. It represents the next step toward FIA Karting Championships and, ultimately, Formula racing.

JohnJohn began competing in OK-N Junior in Mexico’s Formula Karts Series in 2025 at age 11. He finished as vice-champion, earned Rookie of the Year honors and secured an entry to the 2025 FIA Karting World Cup.

Following a positive initial OK-Junior testing program with Ward Racing, McLellan will make his competitive debut in the category during the opening round of the WSK Final Cup at Franciacorta Karting Track in Castrezzato, Italy, August 26–30.

“I immediately enjoyed the additional speed of the OK-Junior kart,” McLellan said. “The testing went very well, and I’m excited to take this next step with Ward Racing. The goal is to continue learning and become more competitive with every race.”

“JohnJohn has made strong progress during his first European season,” said Joakim Ward of Ward Racing. “The move to OK-Junior is the right next step in his progression, and the WSK Final Cup will provide valuable experience against a highly competitive field.”

With another full year of OK-Junior eligibility in 2027, the championship will serve as the first stage of McLellan’s international OK-Junior program as he works toward FIA Karting competition.

Following the opening round at Franciacorta, McLellan will continue in the WSK Final Cup at South Garda Karting in Lonato, Italy, November 18–22, before concluding the championship at Leopard Circuit in Viterbo, Italy, November 25–29. For more information, visit JohnJohnRacer.com or follow @johnjohnracer on Instagram.

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